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  • IU Reunites with MA-AENAs in Historic “HEREH” Concert at the Philippine Arena

    IU Reunites with MA-AENAs in Historic “HEREH” Concert at the Philippine Arena

    Five years ago, IU made her blueming debut on the Philippine concert stage with the 2019 IU TOUR CONCERT <LOVE, POEM> at The Big Dome. Five years later, the award-winning singer came back to her MA-AENAs to bring her first world tour, the 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT, to the Philippines.

    As the Philippines welcomed the new month, IU also wrote a new chapter in Philippine concert history by being the first K-Pop solo artist and the second female solo act, after Katy Perry, to perform a solo show at the Philippine Arena, the world’s largest indoor arena.

    IU
    Photo by PULP Live World and EDAM

    The 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT, which began with four performances at Seoul’s KSPO Dome in March, arrived in the country on June 1 after successful stops in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. The artist returned to the local concert stage to the unmatched cheers of nearly 40,000 fans from all over the Philippines and the world, echoing loud and passionate throughout the arena.

    IU put on an incredible show that showcased her artistry and musicality, with the concert divided into four main sections: hypnotic, energetic, romantic, and ecstatic. The production was innovative and immersive, bringing to life the emotions the singer aimed to evoke on stage and the stories she hoped to tell with each performance. Performing “Holssi” off her most recent album, The Winning, the singer kicked off the event. The show went on to feature her live performances of every song from her latest extended play, including “I Stan U,” “Shopper,” “Shh..”, and “Love Wins All.”

    The 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT covered IU’s extensive career, which is highlighted by her catalog. The Philippines saw performances of songs from her past albums, including Growing Up (2009), Last Fantasy (2011), Modern Times (2013), A Flower Bookmark (2014), CHAT-SHIRE (2015), Palette (2017), Love Poem (2019), and Lilac (2021), in addition to The Winning. In response to fan requests, IU performed “Someday” from her original soundtrack for the 2011 drama Dream High and “You Know” from her first studio album Growing Up during the “en-encore,” which made everyone feel nostalgic.

    SunKissed Lola’s “Pasilyo” was performed beautifully by IU as a present to MA-AENAs, and it left us in awe of the feelings and hues she added to the song. “When I first heard this song, I liked it a lot and practiced it. I was happy while singing this song,” she stated. She sang 28 songs in three hours total.

    But it wasn’t just IU that was well prepared for the reunion. The MA-AENAs were there in full force to make sure the singer had the best possible concert experience and to remind her of the electrifying energy of the Filipino concertgoers. Indeed, all of the efforts were worthwhile, as IU expressed her gratitude for all of the love she received that night, showering the audience with approval and words of encouragement. She added, “I was very happy,” after the fan event at the “I Stan U” stage. She frequently expressed her awe at the fans’ enthusiasm and beautiful vocals as they joined in throughout the performance.

    Ito ay langit! Mahal ko kayo,” she remarked, praising the fans’ lovely voices and thanked them for their support. She awarded the Filipino concertgoers 300 points, placing them at the top of the list. She said, “I’m really, really happy tonight. Napakasaya ko. Bawal magkasakit,” and mentioned how incredible the performance was. “It’s really the best day,” she stated, assuring that she would return as soon as possible rather than waiting another five years.

    Photo by PULP Live World and EDAM

    IU sang “Palette” to close the 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT, writing a new chapter in Philippine musical history. Above all, the performance demonstrated IU’s continual achievement and artistic development and her humility and genuineness, reverberating strongly with the unwavering dedication of MA-AENAs.


    The 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN MANILA (BULACAN) was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World.

  • A Sweet Experience with ENHYPEN: Savoring These BENCH x ENHYPEN Fun Meet Memories

    A Sweet Experience with ENHYPEN: Savoring These BENCH x ENHYPEN Fun Meet Memories

    The sweetest venom infected Philippine ENGENEs on May 28, as K-Pop sensation ENHYPEN treated their Filipino fans to a delightful experience at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in A Sweet Experience: BENCH Fun Meet with ENHYPEN.

    A little more than three months after their hugely successful Fate performance in February, ENHYPEN, composed of Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki, reunited with their Filipino fans through the fan meeting organized by local fashion giant BENCH. The Philippines greeted the lads with passionate applause, as usual, engulfing the arena in their love and support for their favorite boys. The closer the clock got to showtime, the louder the cheers became. And as the lights went down, the Philippine concert scene was once more struck with the harmonious blend of ENGENEs’ enthusiasm and ENHYPEN’s power.

    Call them P-R-D-X invader, the boy group said hello to the Philippine concert stage with “ParadoXXX Invasion”. “ParadoXXX Invasion” is still a fan favorite two years after its release, and the fan meetup was proof of this as fans sang along to the song, seemingly with every word ringing in everyone’s lips and booming loudly around the arena. It should come as no surprise that Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki will never forget the Philippine ENGENEs for their unwavering devotion and the warm reception they showed the guys on each visit.

    At the press conference that preceded the fan meeting, the boys gave their fans credit for all of their accomplishments, which have enabled them to stand tall as the K-Pop powerhouse of their generation. Additionally, Jungwon cited ENGENEs as their musical inspiration. With the support of ENGENEs, the boy band fulfilled the great expectations surrounding their debut in the music industry. Among K-Pop groups making their debut in the same year, their debut mini-album, BORDER: DAY ONE, had the highest first-week sales for a single album. They also made history by being the youngest and fastest K-Pop group to reach the Billboard 200 Top 10 and the fastest K-Pop group to reach one billion Spotify plays.

    Each trip to the Philippines served as indicative of their increasing impact on the K-Pop industry. 2023 saw a new chapter in history being written at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With the ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR “MANIFESTO,” ENHYPEN became the first K-Pop act to host three straight sold-out performances at the arena. A year later, the boys returned with the ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR “FATE to write more history for the Philippine music scene. At the New Clark City Stadium in the Philippines, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki successfully concluded their second world tour. This marked the culmination of their much-anticipated six-month global tour and made performance history in the Philippines as the first K-Pop artist to perform at the stadium.

    The Global BENCHsetters returned to a more relaxed and participatory fan meeting, departing from their usual performance-focused events and bringing a different feel. The event was separated into three sections: classic ENHYPEN moments, guess that choreo, and twinning aegyo. As the members recounted their experiences from the movies that were screened, engaged in a game with the fans, and took beautiful pictures with them, each section gave the fans a chance to get to know the members a little better.

    In July 2023, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki became the newest Global BENCHsetters for BENCH with the release of the DENIM by BENCH collection. There was a lot of excitement and expectation for the collaboration between the K-Pop idol group and the local fashion titan when the news was announced. Since then, ENHYPEN has emerged as one of the brand’s most recognizable ambassadors. The members thanked BENCH for providing them with another opportunity to meet with their Filipino fans, who showed their appreciation for the boy group during the fan meeting with a banner project, a special video message, and a rendition of “Polaroid Love”.

    The boys performed “Sweet Venom” and left messages of thanks at the conclusion of A Sweet Experience: BENCH Fun Meet with ENHYPEN. They made a commitment to return to the Philippines and made mention of future plans, which include a new album.

  • An Evening with David Benoit

    An Evening with David Benoit

    An Evening with David Benoit on July 20, 2024, 8pm at The Theatre at Solaire with special guest The Company presented by DMC Philippines.

    An Evening with David Benoit

    Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and arranger, DAVID BENOIT, is coming to Manila to perform his chart-topping masterpieces, along with his special guest, The Company. With over four decades in the industry, viewers are in to witness his musical genius on the piano in this spectacular night of contemporary jazz.

    David Benoit Live in Manila Ticket Prices:
    Platinum – P9,000
    SVIP – P8,000
    VIP – P7,000
    Gold – P6,000
    Lower Balcony – P5,000
    Upper Balcony – P4,000
    * Plus Ticket Service Charge

    Tickets available at TicketWorld Outlets or online at ticketworld.com.ph

  • ATEEZ dominates global charts with tenth mini-album “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1”

    ATEEZ dominates global charts with tenth mini-album “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1”

    South Korean boyband ATEEZ dominates this week’s cultural conversations with the release of their tenth mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1.

    The powerhouse group’s new record has reached No. 1 in more than 30 countries on iTunes, making it one of the best-selling K-Pop releases of 2024, globally.

    With a stylistic range that embraces new sonic flavors and exciting production approaches, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 opens a new saga for the eight-member pop act to explore in terms of conceptual direction.

    As presented in the ideation for the latest era, ATEEZ begs the question, “What are we doing in the final moments of daylight right before the sun sets,” and interprets in a multitude of ways how everyone would feel experiencing the “golden hour” of their lives with a picture-perfect moment or lack of it.

    ATEEZ’s tenth studio album features the lead single “WORK,” which intuitively expresses the award-winning group’s continuous commitment to striving and facing challenges. Other standout tracks on the record include the energetic dance anthem “Blind,” the reggae-meets-EDM banger “Shaboom” and the bombastic upbeat song “Siren.”

    Tracklist:

    1. Golden Hour
    2. Blind
    3. WORK
    4. Empty Box
    5. Shaboom
    6. Siren

    ATEEZ’s global impact is undeniable. They made history as the first K-pop boy group to grace the stage of ‘Coachella,’ the largest music festival in the U.S. They’re also set to perform at Japan’s largest music festival, Summer Sonic, this August 2024. With their shining performances around the world, ATEEZ continues to be unbeatable in the game.

    With the release of their second studio album, THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL, in December last year, they topped the U.S. Billboard main chart, ‘Billboard 200,’ and ranked second on the UK ‘Official Album Chart,’ setting a career-high in the world’s two major charts.

    ATEEZ’s GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via KQ Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment.

  • AHN BO HYUN Asia Tour Fan Meeting in Manila: A Night to Remember

    AHN BO HYUN Asia Tour Fan Meeting in Manila: A Night to Remember

    The New Frontier Theater buzzed with excitement on May 25, 2024, as Ahn Bo Hyun’s devoted fans gathered for an unforgettable evening during his Asia Tour Fan Meeting in Manila.

    The event, brimming with heartfelt interactions and memorable performances, provided a unique opportunity for fans to connect with their beloved star on a personal level.

    Ahn Bo Hyun kicked off the evening with a powerful rendition of “Start Over” by Gaho, the iconic track from the “Itaewon Class” soundtrack. His dynamic performance set the tone for the night, and the audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Greeting his fans in Filipino, Ahn Bo Hyun warmly exclaimed, “Mabuhay! Ako po si Ahn Bo Hyun!” His efforts to speak the local language and his acknowledgment of the challenging weather conditions were met with cheers, showcasing the deep bond he shares with his Pinoy fans.

    The evening was filled with engaging activities, beginning with a Q&A session titled “Boss-stagram and Boss Awards.” Fans eagerly posed questions, revealing their curiosity about Ahn Bo Hyun’s life and career. One highlight was his discussion about his role as Jin I Soo in “Flex X Cop,” where he expressed his enjoyment in portraying a chaebol character. When asked about his script memorization techniques, Ahn Bo Hyun humorously shared his unique method of staring at difficult lines, taking a nap, and waking up to find the lines ingrained in his memory.

    Ahn Bo Hyun

    Ahn Bo Hyun’s environmental consciousness was another topic that resonated with fans. He shared practical tips on how he contributes to environmental sustainability, such as picking up trash during camping trips, avoiding disposable chopsticks, and using a water tumbler. These insights not only showcased his eco-friendly practices but also inspired his audience to adopt similar habits.

    The fan meeting also featured interactive games, including a relay game where lucky fans got the chance to play alongside Ahn Bo Hyun. True to his reputation as the king of fan service, he ensured every participant received a warm hug, creating cherished memories for all involved. The event also included the “Boss-neun Ahn-Bo-Hyun Wish Box,” where fans had the opportunity to win signed posters and other exclusive memorabilia. In a heartwarming gesture, Ahn Bo Hyun extended the prize pool, adding more winners than initially planned to express his gratitude to his fans.

    As the evening drew to a close, Ahn Bo Hyun serenaded his fans with “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere. His final message was a heartfelt expression of his appreciation for the support and love he received from his Pinoy fans. He promised to cherish the memories from this fan meeting and expressed his desire to return to the Philippines to visit Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan.

    In a touching finale, Ahn Bo Hyun performed “너의 지난날을 내가 안아줄게 (I’ll Embrace Your Past)” from “See You in My 19th Life,” leaving the audience with a sense of closure and deep connection. The fan meeting was not just an event but a testament to the enduring relationship between Ahn Bo Hyun and his fans. His genuine interactions, humility, and talent made the evening an extraordinary experience that will be remembered by all who attended.

    Ahn Bo Hyun

    Transcribed by: Jeanne Lao
    Words by: Gwyn Javier

  • Breakout artist Dhruv announces release of debut album “Private Blizzard”

    Breakout artist Dhruv announces release of debut album “Private Blizzard”

    New song “Speed of Light” out now!

    Private Blizzard, the debut album from breakout vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dhruv, is slated for release on August 23 via Little Worry/RCA Records.

    dhruv

    Recorded in Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer JT Daly (Noah Kahan, Bully, Benson Boone), Private Blizzard reflects the full range of emotions Dhruv felt as he set out to make his debut album from a place of creative honesty. “I started in a place of numbness, and I didn’t understand why I felt that way,” Dhruv shares. “The songs that I started with were trying to help me unpack that feeling. The further along I got, I started feeling better—I just felt lighter.”

    Allowing intuition to guide him more than in the past, Dhruv focused on developing his vocal range to give himself a larger canvas to express his changing emotions. From a sonic perspective, he and Daly worked together to create a sound incorporating classic live elements while retaining a modern feel. The result is an album that, above all else, feels true to Dhruv.

    SEE ALSO: Manila Welcomes Rising Music Sensation DHRUV in an Unforgettable First Live Concert

    Aside from the announcement of the upcoming album release, Dhruv has also debuted “Speed of Light,” a new song from his forthcoming album. “‘Speed of Light’ is about this ‘limbo state’ of being heartbroken over someone who had no trouble moving on from the relationship,” Dhruv shares.

    “Speed of Light” follows previous album offerings “How?” and “Tragedy,” Dhruv’s first new music of 2024 which he performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for his late-night T.V. debut in February. Additionally, Dhruv performed a sold-out headline show at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre last night, following a sold-out headline show in London and a performance at New York’s Head In The Clouds Festival earlier this month.
    Born and raised in Singapore and of Indian descent, Dhruv’s fascination with music dates back to the age of five, when he heard Bollywood soundtracks on the T.V. at his grandmother’s house. After years of writing songs privately, he put his studies at Yale on hold to make a go of music earnestly and began producing from his bedroom.

    Dhruv burst into the spotlight after his 2019 single “double take” exploded globally, racking hundreds of millions of streams worldwide. Soon after, he signed with Little Worry and RCA, and, in 2022, he released his debut EP Rapunzel. He’s toured with Joji, sold-out headline stops across the U.S. and the U.K., and a handful of dates in Asia in 2023, including two rare headline shows in India. NME praised Dhruv for creating “vital, anthemic” pop, while PAPER celebrated the power of his “intimate love songs” and CLASH hailed his “open and completely relatable” songwriting.

  • SB19’s Josh Cullen embraces emotional maturity and healing in R&B track “Sumaya”

    SB19’s Josh Cullen embraces emotional maturity and healing in R&B track “Sumaya”

    After announcing his participation at this year’s Round Festival in South Korea, Josh Cullen continues his winning streak with the release of his new single, “Sumaya” under Sony Music Entertainment.

    SEE ALSO: SB19’s Josh Cullen and Al James join forces in “Yoko Na”

    Josh Cullen

    Delivering a quiet rumination on heartbreak and acceptance, “Sumaya” comfortably repackages R&B, trap, pop, and bedroom hip-hop with minimalism that reveals rewarding folds and layers as it progresses. It’s a vulnerable track that expresses the ugly truths of a relationship’s aftermath but is written from a place of genuine care for the other person’s freedom and happiness.

    Josh shares, “Sumaya is about the heart-wrenching journey of accepting that it’s time to let go of someone and the memories you’ve shared. It’s a song that delves into the pain and sadness of moving on while still cherishing the good times you had together.”

    According to SB19’s lead rapper and vocalist, the lyrics tackle the bittersweet feeling of parting ways and looking back at a kind of love that once felt life-affirming and real. With the line, “kapag naihatid ka, di na kita susunduin,” Josh demonstrates, with nuance and skill, that he is capable of making songs that hit home.

    “The line really captures that final, painful goodbye,” he adds, crediting his good friend Kael Guerrero for helping him write the track. “We drew inspiration from our own life experiences and memories, which makes this song very personal and emotional for both of us.”

    In terms of production, Josh shares that he and his co-producer, Kael, were very careful in coming up with the initial groundwork to capture the emotional depth and bittersweet nature of “Sumaya.” He even added some final tweaks to make sure everything felt right, balancing form and intricacies with the genuine intent of his songwriting style. Then, the talented team at Tribute Collective stepped in to re-arrange it, adding their unique touch.

    “Kael and Tribute are real gems in this industry, and their combined efforts helped achieve a sound that is haunting and melancholic, perfectly matching the theme of letting go and the sorrow that comes with it,” Josh Cullen explains.

    The track’s release is accompanied by a music video featuring Josh Cullen as its lead star. The visuals depict the P-Pop superstar waking up from the relics of the past, allowing himself to journey back to a time when life was brimming with love and rosy optimism, but finally realizes that everything is just an illusion that he has to deal with.

    Josh shares, “In the music video for Sumaya, I wake up in a house filled with the most important memories of my life, memories of someone I love deeply. As I touch these objects, they start to disintegrate, and I realize it’s because of me. As I continue, I find myself shifting between reality and the void, struggling to escape the overwhelming chaos and emotions happening all at once. I don’t ever want to forget these memories, yet I know I have to accept and release what I can’t control.”

    The music video was directed by Josh Cullen and Jonathan Tal Placido.

    The Yoko Na act adds, “Big shout out to Miko del Rosario as well. He stuck with me during those late-night editing sessions. Despite the tight schedule and having no sleep at all, it wasn’t as stressful as I imagined. We were having fun, and their passion and dedication made the whole experience incredibly rewarding.”

    Josh Cullen’s “Sumaya” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video on Josh Cullen’s YouTube channel.

  • ABBA Revisited at The Theatre at Solaire

    ABBA Revisited at The Theatre at Solaire

    ABBA Revisited on June 28, 2024, 8pm at The Theatre at Solaire with Front Act Wendy’s Project presented by DMC Philippines.

    ABBA Revisited at The Theatre at Solaire

    North America’s #1 tribute to ABBA, ABBA Revisited, recreates the magic of the global phenomenon’s music, with their excellent showmanship and on-point costumes and harmonies. Performing all the classic hits of ABBA, audiences are bound to relive the glory of the 70’s.

    ABBA Revisited Ticket Prices:
    Platinum – P7,800
    SVIP – P6,800
    VIP – P5,800
    Gold – P4,800
    Lower Balcony – P3,800
    Upper Balcony – P2,800
    Plus Ticket Service Charge

    Tickets available at TicketWorld Outlets or online at ticketworld.com.ph

  • Introducing “Letters From June” – the newest band to join the KDR Music House roster! 

    Introducing “Letters From June” – the newest band to join the KDR Music House roster! 

    Band Members: Lourence Neil N. Compuesto: Main Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist Michelle Anne C. Fajkovic: Keyboardist & Backup Vocalist Arvy Skye Perez: Electric Guitarist Sean Levin D. Villa: Electric Guitarist Danielle (Deign) Felicity E. Porol: Bassist Ken Adrian T. Lunas: Drummer

    How the band was formed? The members of Letters From June met in a school theater group in November 2022. They have been creating music together in a dorm room, drawing from personal experiences to shape their songwriting. Despite their varied personalities and music preferences, they value each other’s contributions and the unique bond they’ve formed.

    Letters From June Band

    In joining KDR Music House: The band is thrilled to be part of KDR Music House, considering it a surreal opportunity. They are excited to share their music with a wider audience and are looking forward to achieving significant milestones with the support of the KDR Music House family. They are set to seal a recording deal this May 29 Wednesday at the auditorium of La Verdad Christian College in Caloocan.

    Music Genre & Influences: “Letters From June” crafts alternative, mellow, and cosmic sounds. Influenced by a diverse range of artists such as Ben&Ben, The 1975, I Belong to the Zoo, Lizzy McAlpine, Coldplay, The Juans, and Conan Gray, the band aspires to showcase a sound that resonates with their unique style.

    Debut Single “Bituin”: Their debut single, “Bituin,” delves into themes of love and longing. Initially written by Renzo as a personal ode, the band transformed the song into a compelling piece that reflects the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. With poignant lyrics questioning one’s worth in a relationship, “Bituin” captures the essence of heartfelt vulnerability in a powerful musical arrangement.

  • 10CM to Serenade Filipino Fans in 1st Solo Manila Concert in August

    10CM to Serenade Filipino Fans in 1st Solo Manila Concert in August

    10CM takes on the Philippine concert stage with his first solo concert in August!

    As part of the 2024 Closer To You Asia tour, South Korean indie music act 10CM will be holding a concert in the Philippines this August 31, 2024, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. The Manila concert will be produced by Cornerstone Concerts (the concert division of Cornerstone Entertainment) and South Korea’s Magic Strawberry Sound.

    Check out the seat plan, ticket prices, and fan benefits below:

    10CM Asia Tour in Manila

    10CM is a South Korean indie pop project led by singer Kwon Jung-yeol. 10CM debuted in 2010 as a duo with Yoon Cheol-Jong being the other half. However, Cheol-Jong left the duo in 2017, leaving Jung-yeol to carry the “10CM” name as a solo artist to this day.

    10CM is best known for their chart-topping songs featured on the soundtracks of popular Korean dramas such as “Queen of Tears,” “Start-Up,” “Crash Landing On You,” and “Hotel del Luna” just to name a few.
    10CM won the Best Collaboration Award at the Melon Music Awards in 2022 and the Best Folk & Blues Album Award also at the Melon Music Awards in 2016.

    As of writing, 10CM will also be playing in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan as part of the Asia tour.

  • Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila 2024

    Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila 2024

    Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila on July 13, 2024 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, BGC. New show at 6pm, 8pm is already Sold Out. Atusko Okatsuka International Full Grown Tour Live in Manila presented by Insginia Presents.

    Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila 2024

    Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila Ticket Prices:
    Floor – P2,650
    Balcony – P1,910

    Tickets available from SM Ticket Outlets or online at smtickets.com

    Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila Seatplan and Ticket Prices
  • The Final Season of The Umbrella Academy Season 4 Sets on August 8

    The Final Season of The Umbrella Academy Season 4 Sets on August 8

    The fourth and final season of “The Umbrella Academy” premieres on Netflix on August 8th. The first teaser trailer for The Umbrella Academy’s fourth and final season features the Umbrellas and one Sparrow. The trailer, set to a remix of “The Final Countdown,” previews the show’s “final timeline” following three seasons of time-traveling, universe-saving exploits by the main group.

    Courtesy of Netflix

    After the Hotel Oblivion showdown reset their timeline and stripped the original crew of their powers, The Umbrella Academy season four will begin. The show’s description says the beloved siblings must “fend for themselves and find a new normal with wildly varying degrees of success.” However, their weird new world becomes too much to ignore. Their father Reginald, alive and well, runs a strong and evil corporate empire in the public glare.

    Watch the teaser trailer here:

    Based on the Dark Horse comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy stars Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, and Aidan Gallagher as the original six siblings. Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Colm Feore, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and David Cross star in the fourth season from Universal Studio Group’s UCP.

  • SB19, Bini, Flow G, SunKissed Lola set to headline OPM event of the year: Puregold’s ‘Nasa Atin Ang Panalo’ concert

    SB19, Bini, Flow G, SunKissed Lola set to headline OPM event of the year: Puregold’s ‘Nasa Atin Ang Panalo’ concert

    Puregold Nasa Atin Ang Panalo Thanksgiving Concert

    Prepare for the ultimate celebration of today’s Original Pinoy Music (OPM), and the stories of success behind these chart-topping hits, as Puregold presents “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” concert on July 12, 2024, 7 p.m., at the iconic Araneta Coliseum.

    The thanksgiving event, which will feature acts by phenomenal Filipino music talents SB19, BINI, and Flow G, and a special performance by SunKissed Lola, celebrates Puregold’s remarkable milestone of reaching 500 stores on its 25th year. Through “Nasa Atin ang Panalo,” Puregold expresses its gratitude to its loyal customers, dedicated employees, and supportive partners who have long played a role in the company’s very own panalo story.

    As can be gleaned from Puregold’s recent announcement on its social media pages, the star-studded “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” is set to be an unforgettable night of music, inspiration, and pure entertainment. This was affirmed by Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co who relates that from the get-go, they envisioned “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” to be more than just a concert.

    “We want it to be a heartfelt tribute to Filipino stories of grit, courage, change, and success—panalo values that our concert artists possess and hope to inspire among their fellow Filipinos,” Co says. “And we are excitedly presenting these top musicians not only to showcase their talent and spotlight local music, but to highlight the stories of SB19, BINI, Flow G, and SunKissed Lola as they pursue their dreams.”

    Puregold shares why they have chosen to collaborate with these artists:

    P-Pop idols SB19 weathered a roller-coaster journey, staying resilient to sustain their rise in the music industry.

    BINI, the nation’s girl group, sings about youthful romance, fun, and empowerment. The group continually evolves to tell its stories in the most profound ways.

    Flow G, now one of the icons in Philippine rap, has hurdled numerous challenges but has remained steadfast in his pursuit of hip-hop, relentlessly moving forward toward his goals.

    Well-loved band SunKissed Lola, united by their passion for creating music, has transformed their dreams into reality, achieving success through their unwavering love for their craft.

    “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” promises to bring joy to A’Tins, Blooms, Dolores, and fans of Flow G. Surprise guests are also lined up to boost concert-goers’ thrill and excitement.

    Loyal Puregold customers can also look forward to Tita and Ninang Zones, where featured products and brands will offer a number of fun activities.

    Fans and followers can also check out the venue’s VIP Section where one can get the best view in the house; coliseum group photos that will capture moments with fellow fans celebrating the night together; and exclusive merchandise giveaways that will keep memories alive long after the event.

    Additionally, as Puregold has teased the release of original music in partnership with these top artists, fans have more drops to look forward to as well.

    Puregold is mounting the concert in collaboration with Wish 107.5, a partnership that has been instrumental—since 2021—in discovering and highlighting OPM talents. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promote and nurture local music artists through platforms that enable them to reach wider audiences.

    As “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” draws near, Puregold encourages OPM enthusiasts, music lovers, and Puregold customers to witness the convergence of talent, passion, and pure Filipino pride in the musical event. Ticket mechanics will be announced soon on Puregold’s official channels.

    Stay tuned in! Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok for more updates.

  • In Photos: KoolPals Block Party – Celebrating 5 Years

    In Photos: KoolPals Block Party – Celebrating 5 Years

    Bakal Bakal Bakal, political tirades, live-action Fruit Ninja, ey, music, powder session, insults, Hulas Cam, arnis, free whole roast chicken, X-Men Theme Song, Pamura, impromptu spoken poetry and just laughter all over — these were only a few of the many references that were tossed around the air during KoolPals’ Block Party – 5th Anniversary Celebration on May 11 at 123 Block, Mandaluyong. The sold-out event was a crazy mishmash of stand-up comedy and music, with splits of inside jokes and happenings that were as unpredictable as the weather.

    The KoolPals Podcast, with 643 episodes on Spotify, is currently one of the top podcasts on Spotify Philippines. The main cast, composed of GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan, Ryan Rems and Muman Reyes, are seasoned stand-up comedians and occasional actors. As the story goes, their first podcast in 2019 was recorded in GB Labrador’s bedroom while they were drinking San Mig Gin Premium and eating spicy hotdogs.

    Every podcast episode they record is full of random conversations about anything under the sun – current events, pop culture, their neighbors’ quirks – and they put their wacky spin into them until everything spirals out of control. Their humor, which appeals to a wide demographic of people from all walks of life (albeit many of which are 80s and 90s kids), has earned them a steady fanbase that has grown into a community over the years.

    That’s precisely what the Block Party was about – a celebration of the KoolPals community. The fans who attended the event were on the same wavelength and mostly from closely woven generations. With the humid summer heat, the audience came prepared (as people of their age usually do). Although 123 Block was designed to be a standing-only venue, 80% brought their portable chairs plus their battery-operated portable fans and double wall vacuum-insulated tumblers, all for the sake of keeping themselves comfortable while watching the show which lasted for almost 7 hours. They patiently stayed in what felt like 40°C – sweating it out and visibly uncomfortable. They endured all that for hours just to see the KoolPals in person and to laugh it all out like it was nothing. Was it worth it? Definitely.

    Like a true party, KoolPals’ colleagues and friends also had plenty of special appearances that evening. Some of them performed while some just came by to say hi.

    We’ll give you some of the event’s highlights in photos.

    Photo#1: The KoolPals with Pinunong Pudz and Roger Naldo who are both comedians who had appeared in their podcasts. The two hashed it out with a battle of arnis which turned into a live-action Fruit Ninja session.

    Photo#2: Chino Liao, known for his Class Clown Podcast, made a short cameo wearing baby clothes on stage.

    KoolPals

    Photo#3: Dubbed the “Busking Queen” by KoolPals, singer-songwriter Eloisa was the first musical act for the event. She shared that one of her songs was written after she tasted Mr. Chips for the first time.

    KoolPals

    Photo#4: Rap-reggae band Lion and the Scouts turned up the volume when they performed.

    KoolPals

    Photo#5: Making his way to the back part of the crowd, Johnoy Danao treated the crowd to an acoustic set which included his rendition of Eraserheads’ “Pare Ko” at “Ikaw at Ako”. When he asked for song requests, some suggested BINI’s “Pantropiko”. He didn’t do it that time, but he said he’ll try. (Let’s see if he does it.)

    KoolPals

    Photo#6: The spotlight was on Kween Yasmin as she performed a medley of Gloc 9’s “Upuan” and “Sirena” wherein she did both the rap parts and the chorus all by herself. She also performed an impromptu spoken poetry about asteroids.

    Photo#7: Kween Yasmin struck a pose with the KoolPals after her set.

    Photo#8: Laugh Laban contest grand winner Marvin Tumon and runner-up Emil Buenaventura also did their solo stand-up sets during the event.

    Photo#9: Yael Yuzon, who was part of the crowd that evening, received the cooling powder treatment. Earlier, it was revealed that the KoolPals will be ambassadors for Kuchi Kuchi. They premiered the video ad as well. Living up to their roles, they had their friends and colleagues sample their product on the dot. Other guests who shared the same fate included Jun Sabayton / Bayaw, historian Xiao Chua and KoolPals’ social media manager Masahiro Niioka.

    Photo#10: Tanya Markova colored the stage with their quirky songs and their witty anecdotes. They played “Linda Blair”, “Picture Picture” and “Disney”.

    Photo#11: Tanya Markova’s Iwa Motors playing with his bubble machine on stage.

    He said that ever since they started guesting in the KoolPals Podcast, their band has been getting more attention from new fans.

    Photo#12: In another random turn of events, the KoolPals gave away packs of Chooks to Go whole roast chicken to the audience.

    Photo#13: It was past 11:00 PM when the final act took the stage. Dilaw woke the crowd with loud riffs and growls.

    In between their riotous jokes, the KoolPals repeatedly thanked the crowd for coming to the show and they apologized as much for the discomfort that the heat had brought. They were very happy that within 5 years, their community had grown as much. It was something they could not have imagined when they started recording in 2019. In the future, they hope to make their celebrations bigger and better.

    To put it simply, the KoolPals Block Party was fun – so much so that we didn’t mind the sweltering heat around the venue. Stand-up comedy is best experienced live, with an audience that is open to the idea of just appreciating humor. The popularity of the KoolPals proves that something as simple as a joke can go a long way. It can brighten the lingering darkness of daily life. It can create 600+ episodes of podcasts that resonate with a nation. It can even unite a community.

    Special thanks to GNN Productions!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

  • A Dazzling Brand New Day with Park Minyoung

    A Dazzling Brand New Day with Park Minyoung

    Park Minyoung held her first-ever fan meeting titled MY Brand New Day in the Philippines at the SM North Skydome on May 12.

    It was a dazzling day for MY Beans (her fans) as they got the chance to see the star up close, highlighting her many other charms as well as her more candid side.

    As one of Korea’s top actresses, she is known for her leading roles in the blockbuster dramas “Sungkyunkwan Scandal”, “City Hunter”, “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?” and “Marry My Husband”. While her prolific acting career is known to everyone who watches Korean dramas, many are unaware that she is also good at singing and dancing.

    Park Minyoung made her entrance while singing “Bad Liar”, a soundtrack from her latest drama. Donning a chic sky-blue cocktail dress, she enchanted the audience with her undeniable beauty.

    Hosted by Sunny Kim and assisted by an English translator, the fan meeting provided a more introspective view of her acting career. As specific behind-the-scenes photos were shown on the screen, Minyoung told the story about them. For instance, she had to practice judo while shooting “Marry My Husband” which was challenging but it was made easier by her previous experience during “City Hunter”. She also had to lose weight for the role.

    Minyoung also showed the audience a vlog of her recent vacation with the cast and staff of “Marry My Husband” in Vietnam. She shared that she slept for 14 hours straight on the first day because the ambiance was so relaxing. For the succeeding days, she gave a quick tour of the area and talked about how grateful she was for their support which made the drama successful. A few members of the cast, including Na Inwoo and Choi Gyuri, also appeared briefly in it.

    The fan meeting featured a lot of fan interaction. Some lucky Beans got to take Polaroid selfies with the star while some even got a hug. Minyoung was so eager to talk to her fans, that she often initiated conversations when they were on stage. One male fan shared that Minyoung became his light during the dark times of the pandemic. He told her he was the happiest whenever he watched her dramas and variety show guestings. Minyoung thanked him, saying that having fans like him is the best.

    While Park Minyoung might appear demure, she was very earnest in communicating with MY Beans. Everyone who attended the fan meeting received an envelope containing a notebook, photocards, a bookmark, and a personalized note that Minyoung prepared. Whenever she talked, she would look fans in the eyes and ask them for suggestions. She even did a special performance of Jennie’s “You and Me”, complete with beautifully rendered choreography.

    FIlipino Beans also gave her a treat with a surprise VCR featuring messages from fans. Touched by the gesture, she told the crowd, “I’m very thankful for the love and support you’ve given me. The only way I can repay you is to work even harder to become the best actress. I feel blessed. Thank you and I love you all.”

    Adding to this, she read a letter she wrote for her Filipino Beans. “When I feel dried by my emotions, you make me laugh. It’s always (the) fans who make me want to do my job better. So let’s be happy for a long time. .. See you again. I love you.” For the finale, she performed Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”. As another bonus, everyone in the crowd got to see her up close during the hi-bye session.

    Special thanks to CDM Entertainment!

    By Sandra Mae Laureano